Author: Joe Mo

New South Roadshow Stop #2 – Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, Birmingham

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Our second stop on our 2023 New South Roadshow brings us to the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham.

Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa
Includes dining and food, rooms, architecture, pool and bagpipes.

Set just outside the city, deep in the heart of the “Hidden Gem of the South,” this Birmingham hotel provides a uniquely inspired setting surrounded by the natural beauty and lush landscape of a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail championship golf course.

With 259 guest rooms, 3 restaurants, The Spa at Ross Bridge, 18 event rooms, and over 25,000 square feet of meeting space, this Marriott property appeals to both the leisure traveler and the business traveler for obvious reasons. Did we mention the location is absolutely breathtaking?

Come see for yourself and join us in Birmingham on Tuesday, March 21st from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase in the ballroom followed by a reception on the terrace from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with live music, yummy food and open bar, firepits…and massage chairs! We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham and the second stop on the 2023 New South Roadshow!

Visit our website at www.retreatsresources for registration details!

New South Roadshow Stop #1 – The Thompson Buckhead, Atlanta

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Our first stop on our 2023 New South Roadshow brings us to The Thompson Buckhead. Opening in December 2021, The Thompson Buckhead features 201 guest rooms, restaurant Dirty Rascal and members only Tesserae Rooftop Bar and Lounge, which guests will have access to when renting a suite.

Inspired by old-school red sauce restaurants in New York and classic Italian joints found just off the strip in Las Vegas, Dirty Rascal brings the swanky, mid-century vibes in the dining room and in the food they serve.

The definition of Tesserae reads, a composition of individual parts that forms a structure more beautiful in its combined power. Based on the idea of bringing people together from all backgrounds for events, entertainment and good times, Tesserae has created a club meant to be “exclusively inclusive”. Blurring the lines between work, rest and play the club offers a warm, elevated environment to foster a shared space for its members. And club rules…lap tops get turned off at 4 pm. Like any private club, Tesserae comes with its own unique rules of engagement. Curious? You can read more on those club rules here.

Come see for yourself and join us in Buckhead in Atlanta on Monday, March 20th from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase in the Ballroom followed by a reception from 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm on the Members Only Tesserae Rooftop Bar and Lounge. We look forward to welcoming you to Buckhead and the first stop on the 2023 New South Roadshow!

Visit our website at www.retreatsresources for registration details!

Retreats Resources Manhattan Showcase Bonus: walk away with a new headshot!

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We are pleased to be offering complimentary headshots at our Manhattan Showcase this Friday, February, 17th, at the Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad, thanks to photographer Kelli Price.

Here are a few tips to help you come prepared to exude fabulous:

Know the “why.”  Why do you need a headshot? Who is your audience? What do you want your photo to say?

Headshot or branding shots? Know the difference. Whereas the goal of a headshot session is one fabulous shot (maybe two), a branding session typically results in a collection of images in a variety of environments. For example, a chef might be shown for making magic in the kitchen, but also in jeans and T-shirt, strolling the farmers market seeking out his bounty. If you are a hotelier maybe that is a money shot within the hotel or resort you represent but also participating in an activity that is fitting of the lifestyle of your destination. If you are a meeting or event professional, maybe it’s an exciting venue or event set up with additional shots of the behind the scenes or day to day operations or how you spend your (limited) down time. If you’ve got your own business and/or website, a personal branding session may be the way to go.

Put your best face forward. Clothes, hair, makeup: They all matter. General rule of thumb? Wear what you feel and look great in. Avoid white, loud colors and busy patterns; you want the focus to be on your face. Ladies may want to bump up your makeup routine a bit, especially the eyes and lips, but a natural look is best.

Trust the process (and your photographer).  While no one is 100% relaxed during a photo shoot, trusting your photographer sure helps. Try to have a little fun (you will with Kelli!). For women, lean forward, lean on something, angle your head for a better jaw line. For the men, lean forward, hand in pocket. Your photographer will help you find the right angle for you. Then exhale….and smile.

Kelli’s Five Ways to make your Headshot Standout from the Crowd

  1. Color – the first thing that comes to mind is color! Color POPS!
  2. Style – Look professional but with a little extra va-voom. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality
  3. Confidence – You are leader, a Boss Babe, CEO, fresh college graduate….whatever you call yourself, make sure you show it with confidence
  4. Genuine smiles – Unless you are a rockstar, I promise you most people are a little uncomfortable in front of the camera. Pick a photographer that you are comfortable with and drink a glass of wine during the session if you need to. They make pretty props anyways!
  5. Sunglasses – See #2

If you are not registered already, what are you waiting for? To register (its free for event professionals!) go to our website at www.retreatsresources.com

 

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Stop #3 – Pendry Washington, DC – The Wharf

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Our final stop on our 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow brings us to Pendry Washington, DC – The Wharf. Opening in October 2022, Pendry DC is Washington’s latest, greatest, hottest hotel along the trendy Wharf waterfront district. Pendry features 131 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including 38 suites with a warm residential-inspired feel to them in this sleek glass-wrapped exterior.

D.C. veteran Executive Chef Barry Koslow helms all three restaurants and bars at Pendry, with a wide range of culinary focus taking you on a nomadic adventure for your taste buds. The hotel’s classic lobby bar is the ultra-chic Bar Pendry. Rich velvet upholstery in dark blues, brushed bronze details, and vintage décor.

On the second floor is Flora Flora, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner inspired by the cuisines of Mexico and Peru. Featuring small plates prepared with local ingredients and served in a bright, light-filled dining room with plenty of greenery, it also offers stunning river vistas.

And lastly, Moonraker, Pendry’s sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar is anchored by a spectacular circular bar with a striking light installation above it and jaw-dropping waterfront views. The Japanese-inspired menu features light bites, sushi rolls, and a curated selection of whisky and cocktails.

Come see for yourself and join us in Washington, DC on Thursday, February 23rd from 10 am – 2 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase and Luncheon, as well as corporate gifting from Maui Jim and Seiko. We look forward to welcoming you to Pendry Washington and the final stop on the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Stop #2 – Steak 48, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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For our second stop we are heading back to Steak 48 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow. It was such a hit last year are ready to go back again!

An upscale steakhouse in the heart of downtown Philly Steak 48 is a sprawling space with warm, contemporary features with a comfortable but sleek, sexy, and stylish atmosphere; from intimate private dining experiences to a spacious mezzanine and vibrant bar. With a 12,000 square foot ground floor, they are able to seat up to 450 people at full capacity.

And while known for its in-house butcher shop and mid-western sourced steaks and Wagyu beef brought in from Mishima Reserve it is also known for its raw bar with Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster and freshly shucked oysters, as well as a 3,000 bottle wine vault, appealing to many tastes when it comes to fine dining.

Come see for yourself and join us in the City of Brotherly Love on Wednesday, February 22nd from 10 am – 2 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase and Luncheon, as well as corporate gifting from Maui Jim and Seiko. We look forward to welcoming you to Steak 48 and the second stop on the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow.

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Stop #1 – River House at Odette’s, New Hope, Pennsylvania

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We are kicking off our 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow in New Hope, Pennsylvania this year at River House at Odette’s.

New Hope is a scenic small town located along the Delaware River. With a quaint Main Street home to eclectic shopping, New Hope features riverside restaurants and cultural attractions a little over an hour’s drive from both New York City and Philadelphia!

River House at Odette’s is a boutique, luxury hotel that includes 36 guest rooms and 12 suites, featuring spa-inspired baths, curated furnishings and river and mountain views. The hotel also features a ballroom with a 200-person capacity overlooking the Delaware River, as well as additional meeting rooms.

Dining options include three establishments, including its main namesake restaurant, Odette’s Restaurant & Lounge, the Piano Lounge cocktail parlor, and members-only ROOF, inspired by the spirited 1970s.

Come see for yourself and join us in New Hope on Tuesday, February 21st from 10 am – 2 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase and Luncheon, as well as corporate gifting from Maui Jim and Seiko. We look forward to welcoming you to River House and the first stop on the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!

 

Calling all Global Nomads…to New York City!

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We are pleased to bring you our International Buyers Manhattan Showcase and Luncheon on February 17th at the brand new Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad. Our event will precede the SITE Global Conference in New York, February 17-20, so if you plan on attending SITE, start your week in an amazing way by kicking off your trip with us!

Always chosen with care and purpose, our venue, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad, a 50-story, 250 room, newly built hotel is set in the electrifying neighborhood north of Madison Square Park. Opening in 2022, this is New York’s second Ritz-Carlton coming 20 years after its sister property, the Ritz-Carlton, New York, Central Park opened, making it the long awaited, but definitely not an oops!, younger sibling. No, this youngster was definitely a well-planned addition to the family.

And if you know us you know how we love our food! Not to be outdone by all the other neighboring culinary offerings, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad will have not one but two restaurants by world famous Chef José Andrés, including two of his signature restaurants, Zaytinya and The Bazaar, raising the already high bar for eateries in the NoMad neighborhood.

On the 50th floor you will find Nubeluz, a rooftop cocktail bar with a 20s speakeasy feel by award-winning Chef José Andrés with a birds eye view of Time’s Square.

Other than the vintage feel of the rooftop bar, the hotel has modern décor and detailed touches bringing a new vibe to the Ritz-Carlton family for the loyalists looking for a fresh feel. From the modern furniture and plant life greeting you in the lobby area to the clean lines of the sleeping rooms, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad awaits you, not to escape the sights and sounds of the city, but to keep your energy going in the hustle and bustle of the city, embracing what New York does best…buzz with excitement.

We hope you can join us on February 17th from 10 am – 2 pm, for what promises to be one of our signature showcases of destination partners for the International MICE Buyer, at the Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad!

Connoisseurs Connections Conference destination spotlight: The Palm Beaches

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We are looking forward to our invitation-only Connoisseurs Connections Conference next week in Florida and want to put a spotlight on our host destination, The Palm Beaches.

Called America’s First Resort Destination™, a place with fewer crowds, warmer water, cleaner beaches. It is a destination that defines the hospitality industry. You will find all of that in The Palm Beaches.

The Palm Beaches is made up of 39 cities, towns and villages, and includes well-known West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, and Delray Beach, to name just a few. With 47 miles of beaches you will find plenty of waterfront properties to choose from for your meeting or incentive trip, including the sprawling resorts, The Breakers Palm Beach, Eau Palm Beach and our host property, The Boca Raton.

The area is bountiful with things to do. Considered the Golf Capital of Florida, the area boasts of more than 160 golf courses. From golf to beaches to airboat rides to manatee viewing, the area has you covered on the ultimate Florida experience.

We look forward to sharing more of our firsthand experiences, surprises and updates from The Palm Beaches with you as our conference rolls on…stay tuned next week to follow along!

 

Connoisseurs Connections Conference venue spotlight: The Boca Raton

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We are looking forward to our invitation-only Connoisseurs Connections Conference next week in Florida and want to put a spotlight on our host property, The Boca Raton.

Coming off a recent $200 million facelift in 2021, the almost 100 year old resort, formally known as The Boca Raton Resort and Club, has shortened its name to simply… The Boca Raton. One of the changes first noticed by its returning guests is the famous pink façade, giving the resort the nickname “pink palace” which has been repainted in its original coastal white. Some of the other redesign of the 200-acre property’s public spaces includes a 50,000 square foot spa with 44 treatment rooms and a lineup of 12 new restaurants.

Another new amenity worth mentioning is the Harborside Pool Club, which features three swimming pools, a floating river, a pool bar, and luxury cabanas with butler service, making this a perfect incentive trip destination.

Now with 1,000 guest rooms, The Boca Raton began in 1926 as a 100-room inn that legendary architect Addison Mizner built with funding from the Ritz-Carlton. Dignitaries, celebrities, and politicians frequented the hotel in those days. The hotel’s opening event was considered “one of the outstanding social events of the season”…which is just what we are hoping will be said of our Connoisseurs Connections Conference!

The Boca Raton manages to pull off an elevated experience with a high level of service and does it with an unpretentious touch, your guests will feel pampered but at home here.

We look forward to sharing more surprises and updates from The Boca Raton with you as our conference progresses…stay tuned next week to follow along!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #4 on the Classic Southeast Roadshow – Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Atlanta, Georgia

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We are heading out on our final Roadshow of 2022 and we are going to end the year in a BIG WAY! This will be our biggest showcase and biggest gathering of meeting and event professionals of the year. Atlanta is looking to fill to capacity so if you have not already signed up today is the time to do so!

Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s start with a little background on our final stop on the Classic Southeast Roadshow: Davio’s, Atlanta.

Attention to detail. Legendary service. The spectacle of the open kitchen. Perfectly cooked steaks. And their signature veal chop. Everything is made by hand from the best ingredients, taking pride in your enjoyment of the meal.

With timeless decor and ambiance you’d expect to find at a high-end steakhouse, you’re not likely to be surprised by anything on the menu at Davio’s — it’s high quality pasta and surf and turf. The food is good, consistent, and exactly what you’re hungry for when you step through the door.

Reopening exactly one year ago, in November 2021, after being closed by the pandemic, the 9000 square foot, 250 seat restaurant has undergone a full remodel during its hiatus, re-opening with a beverage offering of more than 300 wines on the menu.

Come join us in Atlanta and see for yourself, 9:30 am – 10:00 am VIP Newcomers’ Reception for first time guests ONLY (so we can get to know you!), 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Luxury destination showcase with over exhibitors, and 12:30 – 2:00 pm for a family style lunch. Again, we are expecting to be at capacity for this event so be sure to secure your spot today!

We look forward to welcoming you to Davio’s on November 4th and the final stop on the Classic Southeast Roadshow! We are ending 2022 big, y’all!